Child Safe Standards

Gisborne Secondary's Commitment to the Child Safe Standards

Child Safe Standards at Gisborne Secondary College

Gisborne Secondary College is happy to be fully compliant with the Victorian Child Safe Standards, and like all schools in the Government School System, proud of our record in keeping young people safe from abuse while in our care.

Statement of Commitmenttment

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Code of Conduct

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Procedures for Responding to and Reporting Abuse

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Child Safe Risk Assessment Matrix

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2. Important People

Child Safety Officer - Mrs Belinda O'Meara

Employees and volunteers at Gisborne Secondary College are supported through the appointment of our Child Safety Officer who has specified ‘child-safe’ duties in her job description, including being the designated person to hear or be informed about all allegations or concerns, and providing support to other personnel.

Belinda's appointment assists us in ensuring that child safety is prioritised, and that any allegations of abuse or safety concerns are recorded and responded to consistently and in line with Gisborne Secondary College's legal requirements and policies and procedures. Belinda also provides a single contact for children, parents and employees/volunteers to seek advice and support regarding the safety and wellbeing of children associated with Gisborne Secondary College.

The Principal - Mr Andrew Robertson

All reports of Child Abuse should also be reported to the Principal at the same time or immediately following their report to the Child Safety Officer

3. Employment, HR and Staff

Gisborne Secondary College's development of policy and procedure around Child Safe Standards supports, encourages and enables school staff, parents, and children to understand, identify, discuss and report child safety matters.

At Gisborne Secondary College each job or category of job that involves child-connected work has a clear statement that sets out:

the job's requirements, duties and responsibilities regarding child safety; and

the job occupant's essential or relevant qualifications, experience and attributes in relation to child safety.

When applicants apply for a job at Gisborne Secondary College that involves child-connected work they are informed about the school's child safety practices (including the code of conduct).

We make reasonable efforts to gather, verify and record the following information about persons working at Gisborne Secondary College:

Working with Children Check status, or similar check

Proof of personal identity and any professional or other qualifications

The person's history of work involving children; and

References that address the person's suitability for the job and working with children.

All new school staff are correctly inducted into the school's policies, codes, practices, and procedures governing child safety and child-connected work, and are monitored and assessed through the annual Professional Development Plan process as to their continuing suitability for child-connected work.

4. Professional Learning, Guidance & Training

Our Wellbeing Team are responsible for and will deliver annual guidance and training in relation to Child Safe Standards to all staff and school council members.